Q. Is the Songwriting course suitable for beginners?
A. Yes. The Song writing course assumes no previous experience. However it will be helpful if you can play an instrument OR you have some experience using music production software. You will learn practical song writing techniques that can be applied to various styles of music.
Q. Is the Song writing Course accredited?
A. Each student who completes the course will receive certification from Red Onion.
Q. What support do I get on the Song writing course?
A. Throughout your course you will be supported in your learning by a professional music producer.
You will be able to contact him via email and raise any issues that you may encounter on your Song writing course.
Q. Do I need to have any musical background to join your courses?
A. No, you do not need any background. All our courses are structured for beginners and upwards, and our instructors will provide the necessary learning materials and methods.
Q. I already have some prior musical background. Can I skip the beginning stages?
A. Yes, but you will need to meet up with our instructors for a brief assessment of your ability. We will then arrange for you to join an existing class that suits your standard.
Q. What if I am too slow or too fast in the class?
A. Our instructor will try to pace the lessons at a suitable speed for the students in the class. If your pace is really not on par with your fellow classmates, we will arrange to customised for your needs.
Q. What is the average age group of the students in your school?
A. The average age group of our current students is from teenagers up to 19years of age.
Q. What happens if I have to miss a lesson due to personal reasons?
A. If you inform us early, your instructor will try to arrange for a short makeup session for you. However, this is subject to classroom availability and the instructor's schedule.
Q. What if I am unable to attend my lessons for a period of time due to work or personal reasons?
A. You may suspend your lesson until you are ready and able to come back for lessons. We will then assess your case and arrange for you to join an existing class that is suitable.
Q. What happens after I complete one of your courses?
A. Those students who show potential will be given opportunities to join our school’s performing group, as well as to become demo singers for local songwriters and musicians.
Red Onion School of Excellence (ROSE): Frequently Asked Questions
Q When is the deadline for applications?
A. There are no set deadlines for application, however students are advised to apply as early as possible as places are limited. Full term fee will apply
Q. When do audition/interviews take place?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence has an open access policy, we don’t hold auditions to become a member. Applicants do not need to audition to join the School Of Excellence activity programme, however, they will need to audition for the School Of Excellence Performance Group.
Q. Does Red Onion hold open days?
A. An annual Open Day is held at the Red Onion Studio for students interested in applying to join the School Of Excellence
Q. I am not sure if my son/daughter will enjoy the course can we try it first?
A. Yes, you can try out any of our class before you join the School Of Excellence programme the price for one off classes please check the website for the price.
Q. How do I book my child onto the programme?
A. Booking can be made at anytime by Red Onion website http://www.redonion.uk.com, phone, email, fax or in person during office hours.
Q. Is it possible to watch classes?
A. No. Public performances are held on a regular basis,
Q. What qualifications/grades are required for entry?
A. None. The training at Red Onion is to nurture and develop new skills and build confidence
Q. What experience do I need?
A. No specific experience is required for the School Of Excellence programme. Other courses may require some experience, amateur or professional.
Q. What is the age limit?
A. Minimum age for entry is 3yrs with age limit of 19yrs, but you should be physically capable of undertaking the strenuous nature of the courses.
Q. Can I apply for more than three hours per week training?
A. Yes - you can book additional hours training.
Q. What qualification will I get?
A. All participants will receive a certificate of achievement at the end of the year. Some of our course may provide participants will an AQA qualification or other accreditation
Q. When is School Of Excellence training held?
A. Please check timetable for class times. Classes are held at Red Onion Dance Studio
Q. How many students are accepted?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence does not have fixed numbers for entry
Q. Does Red Onion run courses in the school holidays?
A. Yes, please see the website for details
Q. Can I defer classes and take them at other time?
A. No. Training cannot be transferred to another week if you missed a class
Q. Can we join the School Of Excellence at any time?
A. Yes, most courses start in September, apart from Summer Workshops. Because this is a training course you can start at any time of the year.
Q. How much does it cost to join the School Of Excellence Training Programme?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence training please visit website for cost
Q. Are there any other costs that I need to know about?
A. Yes, There will be a £10 administration set up fee. All students must hold a 1year Red onion membership. You will need to pay for attending, social activities, performances etc
Q. I can’t afford the cost of the School Of Excellence training is there a way that I can raise the money to pay for it?
A. A great way to raise the money to pay for the training is by fundraising projects available to assist with the cost of those participating.
Q. How much does the membership cost?
A. The membership cost please check website
Q. I didn’t attend 4-session over the 10week term, why should I have to pay for them?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence member’s fees are paid for their place in School Of Excellence not for attendance.
Q. There are two members of the same family on the School Of Excellence training course, so can we get a discount?
A. Unfortunately we are unable to offer subsidise rate for siblings as the School Of Excellence training is already competitively priced
Q. How does the School Of Excellence work?
A. Red Onion Theatre regular classes run through the year including school holidays. We offer wide range of activities. Each subject is taught as a separate class - this allows our pupils to work at the correct level and to make the best possible progress Some pupils attend 3 class a week, others participate in up to 4-5 classes. The choice is yours!
Q. Do you hold any classes in the school holidays?
A. Yes, We have different types of activity so please check our promotional material to find out what we have available
Q. Will I be able to go to auditions and castings?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence Participants will be represented Red Onion Agency Representation. The agency exists to represent pupils of Red Onion Theatre in film, television, theatre, commercials, recording and all media. The open communication between our teachers and our agency means that the most appropriate pupils are offered to fit the casting briefs.
Q. Would I need to travel far to auditions?
A. The majority of auditions take place in London, at studios, or at our own school.
Q. How do I get to an audition?
A. Pupils are taken to auditions by parents audition. Parents are responsible for their own child’s fares whether public transport, hired minibus, coach or chaperone’s car is used. If the child is very young and/or the only child artiste.
Q. Do we need to pay the Agency for this service?
A. You do not need to pay to join the agency however, we take a commission of 17% of the gross rate on all work you do. (The gross includes all spin off payments and residuals.) VAT is chargeable on commission.
Q. Do you provide us with the promotional material we need to get work?
A. Red Onion Agency can prepare all your marketing material for the market which they think you will be most successful however, this will be a separate cost to you. We are also happy to provide you with details of photographers etc so you can build your own portfolio
Q. How will I know if Red Onion Agency is a good agency?
A. Red Onion Agency will help you develop your natural talents and prepare you for the industry and is a Member of The Agents’ Association (Great Britain)
Q. What do I need to wear?
A. Uniform is obligatory for all pupils in all classes. Pupils not wearing correct clothing are not permitted to participate in classes, auditions or other school activities. Our uniform is obtainable from Red Onion online shop, this will consist of Red Onion T-shirt and jogging pants (available soon)
Q. Health and safety
A. We place great importance on the planning and implementing of personal health and fitness. In all technique classes you will be taught the correct warming-up procedures both physically and vocally to avoid stresses and injury.
Q. Can I join the theatre for 1 term only?
A. The fees we charge are competitively priced and to continue to provide this fee we need to have a minimum contract period of 12 month.
Q. Do I need to join the theatre for a year?
A. Yes, this is the minimum contract period. We are certain you will be delighted with the benefits that our classes provides
Q. Do I have to stick to the same classes for a whole year?
A. We recommend that you take the same classes for the year, however, we do have a selection of dance classes to choose from if you find that you do not like the class you have chosen
Q. Do you provide private lessons?
A. Yes, this will be charged separately and take place at various times that can be booked to suit your availability.
Q. How will my child benefit form the training?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence will cover many practical elements of English (including speaking and listening), The Youth Training can give any child an advantage in school drama, dance and music lessons, as well as benefits in some other subjects.
Q. Who are the teachers?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence teachers have qualification to teach practical performance skills in a creative, encouraging and supportive atmosphere. Within our School Of Excellence syllabus we allow our highly-qualified teachers some freedom to utilise their own ideas, special skills and personalities. This allows them to tailor their classes to the needs and interests of each group of students while still providing the fully-rounded training that our curriculum demands. For more info on each teachers please see teachers profile.
Q. Are your teachers qualified to teach me?
A. Red Onion teachers are put through an intensive induction and training programme on the delivery of Red Onion’s programme of activities to ensure best practice in learning, teaching, assessment and quality assurance. Red Onion’s Head of Learning & Training also ensure the co-ordination and design of practical, subject-specific sessions for your students along with teaching qualifications in technical, directing and stage management experience. Red Onion will only use teachers who have Enhanced Police Check (CRB), references that has been followed up and ensure all PQT teachers and student teachers are all experienced dancer, singer or actor and have the qualification outlined:
- A performing arts related degree or a degree in their chosen discipline; OR
- At least 3 years experience in dance, singing, acting or in their chosen discipline, as a student or a performer (either formal or informal experience)
- At least 6 months experience in dance, acting and/or singing teaching, or assistant teaching experience in their chosen discipline.
- The ability to be a confident performer and or teacher in their chosen field.
Q. Can I turn up to any class?
A. No, you will need to enrol in advance and book the classes you are interested in so you can be added to the register. If you also wanted to try the class you will still need to book
Q. What are your disciplinary procedures?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence insist on a supportive environment, and we instil a work ethic that helps the students to realise that "maximum effort equals maximum enjoyment" so that the students quickly develop the ability to create and show their best work. We also maintain a level of discipline in our classes that allows every student the chance to express his or her self and to take risks with their work without fear of ridicule or disruption from others, as well as to ensure the safety of students. Please see our student pact for full procedure.
Q. Do you have a performance at the end of the year?
A. We try to give all of our students the opportunity to play a part in at least 1 production per year, as we believe it is important for them to be able to demonstrate their talents and the skills they have learned. We expect our students to work hard and be fully-committed to any production they take part in, and they should expect a period of very intensive rehearsals leading up to the performances, especially if they have a leading role. We believe that this instils a professional attitude and a pride in our students towards their work, and encourages them to achieve the highest standard they are capable of whilst maximising the standard of the final production.
Q. Is the School Of Excellence only for those who want to have a professional career as a performer?
A. No, The School Of Excellence is there to provide the opportunity for participants to make friends, to become more confident and to learn other life skills.
Q. I don’t like to sing/dance/acting so can I leave it out of my training?
A. We recommend that participant get all round training at this level. Therefore, we advise that they take part in all three disciplines; singing, acting and dance
Q. Are there any other activities that I can get involved in?
A. Yes, There are opportunities to participate in arts activities and to watch performances, go to the theatre or the making of a TV show. Students are expected to make a full and enthusiastic contribution to the wider life of the Theatre
Q. My child attends the School Of Excellence how can I get involved
A. Yes, we believe that open communication is critical to the successful operation of this course and students, parents and tutors can work together to make the School Of Excellence a success. We are always looking for volunteers, to help out in costume making, working behind the scene, attending competitions or just making sandwiches for our students
Q. Do we need to prove that we will comply with the School Of Excellence terms and conditions?
A. The School Of Excellence aims to create an enjoyable, orderly, friendly and creative environment. Both parents and students are expected to sign the School Of Excellence Constitution Agreement before starting training, which sets out our expectations (a copy of the Student Hand book is available on request).
Q. What is Red Onion School Of Excellence?
A. Red Onion Youth there is an independent theatre training and performance programme for young people
Q. What is the difference between the School Of Excellence and performance group?
A. The School Of Excellence is a training programme that any one can attend and you do not need to audition to join. The Performance Group performs original exciting work, work devised by the cast and then scripted by professional writers, attend competitions local and national performances and generally represent the School Of Excellence. Entry is by audition only
Q. When did Red Onion School Of Excellence Start?
A. Red Onion School of Excellence was formed in 2009 and funded by London borough of Waltham forest. The course had an intake of over 200 students who trained intensively and on a production at the end of the programme
Q. Where is the School Of Excellence based?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence is based at Red Onion Studio.
Q. How can parents be involved?
A. Red Onion School Of Excellence values dialogue with parents and communicates regularly through letters, reports and parents meetings. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they have any concerns or questions.
Q. What kind of work does Red Onion School Of Excellence do?
A. Red Onion Performance Group performs at festivals and venues across the country performing as: dance crews Choir and actors
Q. What is the Mission of the School Of Excellence
A. To provide high quality music, theatre and dance education and training for its students to foster advancements in performance, creativity, and Key skills. Red Onion School Of Excellence aim primary goals are to:
- provide students with high quality pre-professional education
- to provide opportunities for students to increase their musical and theatrical skill, understanding and appreciation
- to provide the music and theatre faculty with opportunities for creative activity,
Q. What are the transferable skills that I will gain?
A. Through our diverse programming, we strive to teach student valuable life-skills. COMMUNICATION: The ability to communicate with others is a vital tool. Through School Of Excellence you learn to express yourself and listen to others and to develop communication skills. CO-OPERATION: Working with others, learning to trust others and defining yourself as a valued member of a group, are all key elements in learning valuable social skills. Co-operation is vital for drama and for each and every individual. Students will be given exercises based around movement, dance, dance-drama, voice, acting, drama games, music or improvisation. How much you benefit depends on your willingness to participate - how much you really want to do
Q. How are the groups made up?
A. The groups are made up in the following way: Primary 3-5 years Junior 6-9 years - Youth 10-12 years - Senior 13-19years
Q. What are the other programmes that Red Onion runs for young people?
A. Red Onion Performance Arts Scholarship, and Teachers programme
